Hooked on learning. How fishing reels in connection at Hervey Bay High

THERE is something special about watching a group of students swap their school uniforms for fishing rods and smiles.

Thanks to a creative partnership between Hervey Bay State High School’s Youth Support Coordinator Miss Lou MacDonald, the Beach House Hotel Fishing Club, and Hot Reels Pro Charters, that’s exactly what happened on the last day of term 3.

It all began with Lou’s ‘Bragzilla Fishing Brag Board’, a passion project that has become a much-loved fixture at the school.

Students can submit photos of their weekend catches for a chance to be featured on the board and entered into a term prize draw.

But this isn’t just about fishing, it’s about connection.

“Fishing is something I have always loved,” Lou explained.

“I found that chatting with students about their weekend catches was a great way
to build relationships.”

“The Bragzilla board just took that idea and gave it some structure.”

What started as a light-hearted way to engage students has grown into a community-backed initiative.

When Lou began sharing student catches on social media, Beach House Fishing Club President Jason Bould noticed.

“Jason called me one day and said ‘Get down to Tackle World, we have got some vouchers for you.’ From there, it just snowballed,” Lou said.

The Fishing Club’s support didn’t stop at vouchers.

When Lou floated the idea of taking a few students on a real fishing charter, the club jumped on board, fully funding a day out on the water with Hot Reels Pro Charters.

“It was an amazing experience. Three of our students, two in Year 10 and one in Year 12, spent the day on the water, learning, laughing, and making memories they’ll never forget.”

To qualify, students had to submit their fishing photos and meet the school’s Code of Citizenship, which reflects Hervey Bay High’s core values.

“It’s about rewarding positive behaviour and giving kids something to look forward to,” Lou explains.

Now in its second year, the Bragzilla project has become more than just a board, it’s a bridge between education and community, proving that sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the classroom.